Page 84 of A Royal Promise
He smiled. “I have a little something planned for you, so wear something you don’t mind getting wet.”
“A surprise?” she squealed. “Yes, sir. I’ll be ready in five.” Bri saluted him before hurrying to the closet and grabbing a bubblegum-pink matching athleisure set, a sports bra, socks, and her signature white platform sneakers. She changed in the bathroom, putting the small gift she’d made for him in her pocket, and emerged ready for the day, modeling her outfit for Drew. “What do you think?”
“I think we should move our wedding up so I can marry you tomorrow.” His voice came out husky, and his pupils dilated as he took her in.
She blushed under his gaze. “I would marry you right now if I could, but at least we’re halfway there. Only three more months to go.”
Once they’d decided to be engaged for real, it had been an easy decision to pick a wedding date six months out. After a lifetime of knowing each other, they wanted to get married as soon as possible. Their parents had been ecstatic, ready to jump in and help them plan a royal wedding as big and extravagant as their love for each other.
“Only ninety-three more days,” Drew said, because of course he was the kind of person who would know from memory. He kissed her on the temple. “You ready to go on an adventure?”
“Always. But first, I have a little something for you. Close your eyes.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out the gift, placing it in his outstretched hand. “You can look now.”
Drew looked down at the small present she’d been working on for the past few weeks in her spare time. His eyes turned misty as they met hers, and his voice was filled with emotion as he said, “A friendship bracelet?”
“To replace the one that broke.”
“It’s even the same colors.” Drew spun the blue-and-green bracelet between his fingers before pulling her into one of his bear hugs. “Thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
Bri squeezed him, happy to do something for him. “Of course. Now, I’m ready for this adventure.” She took his hand, and he led her down to the car where a driver and Bastian waited for them. They drove for a little bit until it seemed they were more northwest of Banff. “Where are we going?”
“The only hint I’m giving you is most people have to take a shuttle to get where we’re going, but I pulled some strings for my girl.”
Bri smiled at him, her eyes full of adoration and wonder that she was going to marry this wonderful man.
When they turned onto a more secluded road, Drew leaned in close, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Close your eyes, my love.”
He helped her out of the car, and she gripped his hands as she walked forward with her eyes shut, trusting he would get her safely to wherever they were going.
If she knew anything for certain, Bri knew Drew loved her and would never let anything happen to her.
“Okay, you can look now.”
She opened her eyes, blinking a few times to adjust to the bright sunlight. Bri gasped when she saw where they were. Before them was Lake Minnewanka, the beautiful body of water she’d seen her favorite travel blogger post about.
“I always wanted to visit this lake,” she squealed. “It’s even more stunning in person.”
“I read everything the travel blogger you love so much suggested to do here, and I thought this would be up your alley.” Drew gestured to the building beside them.
When she saw the wordsboat rentalon it, she shrieked again. “Please tell me you’re about to row me around this perfect lake with your massive muscles.”
He wiggled his brows and flexed. “My biceps are at your service.”
She grinned like a fool as Drew led her down to the water. He helped her into the canoe before taking a seat on the bench across from her.
A worker pushed their boat into the water, and Drew shot her his signature smile as he got to work rowing them across the lake with the attached oars. Everything about the viewwas breathtaking, from the picturesque crystal-blue lake to the snow-capped mountains and tall trees surrounding them, to the gorgeous man sitting across from her.
She couldn’t take her eyes off his sharp jawline or the veins in his forearms as he rowed.
He sighed and wiped his mouth with his sleeve. “Do I have powdered sugar on my face? I knew a filled donut wasn’t the smartest choice for breakfast.”
“No, you’re perfect,” she replied. “I just can’t believe I have such a handsome championship rower showing me how it’s done.”
A blissful smile covered Drew’s face, giving him a glow of pure joy.
“What?” She smiled softly.
“I don’t think I’m ever going to get over hearing you call me handsome.”
